Paweł Koper
If your living room is heavily sunlit and you are looking for a new television at the beginning of 2026, choosing OLED technology may not always be the best idea. In very bright rooms, high panel brightness is key, and this is best offered by Mini-LED models. Just like with other devices, now is the perfect time to buy a television from the 2025 range. We have prepared a comparison of three solid and affordable models that will handle reflections and provide excellent picture quality!
For those seeking maximum savings while retaining modern technology, the C6K series from TCL (also known by the designations C69K or Q6C) is an almost unbeatable option. It is the cheapest QLED television utilising multi-zone Mini-LED backlighting from this Chinese manufacturer. Thanks to the use of a large number of local dimming zones, this model offers a very decent level of black, which is a rarity in this price range. However, the most important advantage in the context of bright rooms is its luminous efficiency – the panel is capable of generating brightness levels of up to 600 nits. The whole system operates under the control of Google TV, which is a true multimedia powerhouse, providing access to almost every application available on the market.
A very good alternative to the TCL proposal is the Hisense E8Q. Although the manufacturer considers it to be a slightly "slimmed down" model compared to the U7Q series, our tests and research show that in everyday use, the picture quality is not inferior at all and is actually virtually identical! Hisense offers parameters very similar to TCL, however, the key difference lies in the approach to the operating system. Instead of Google TV, the manufacturer has opted for the proprietary VIDAA system. It is extremely lightweight and fast, which means that the television responds to commands instantly. Furthermore, Hisense does not forget about users who appreciate traditional television, offering very refined functional features, such as convenient recording of television channels directly onto a USB memory stick.
The third option is aimed at those who approach Chinese manufacturers with reservation and prefer to rely on proven solutions from market leaders. The Samsung QN80F is usually minimally more expensive than the previously mentioned pair, and although its specifications may look similar on paper, the devil is in the details. This model offers exceptional operational stability – everything here is perfectly tuned. Samsung uses one of its best processors for image processing, which is particularly noticeable when watching content in lower resolution, as it is excellently sharpened. The Tizen OS system is not only intuitive but also offers powerful support for smart home integration and excellent compatibility with mobile devices!
C6K vs E8Q vs QN80F. Which model should you choose for yourself?
The choice of a specific model from this trio should be dictated primarily by your individual needs, as each offers solid picture quality. If you care about access to absolutely every possible application and enjoy personalising your equipment, TCL with Google TV will be the most sensible choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a television that operates swiftly and allows for easy use of features such as programme recording, the Hisense E8Q will be spot on. Meanwhile, those who spend a lot of time at the console and value brand reputation should direct their gaze towards the Samsung QN80F. Each of these choices will guarantee you a bright, clear image that will handle even a sunny afternoon.
